Lexus GX 550: What Makes It an Off-Road Legend?
What makes Lexus GX 550 a legendary off-road vehicle? This SUV has been designed for the toughest terrains.
GX 550 comes equipped with a rugged body on frame, an advanced 4WD and intelligent Terrain Management. The SUV’s performance is unstoppable whether you’re facing rocky terrain, deep mud or steep inclines. But what makes it stand out? We will examine in this article the Lexus GX 550’s off-road features which make it a leader within its class.
This SUV will prove to be the best combination of durability, technology and reliability on your next off-road adventure.
Overview Of Lexus GX 550
The Lexus GX was long the more luxurious counterpart of the Toyota 4Runner. Both are known for their durability, their off-road abilities, as well as their truck-like on-road demeanor.
We finally got a brand new GX in 2024 that kept the best of what we had and eliminated the worst. The GX550 this time is based off the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which is slightly smaller than its predecessor. The GX550 retains its body-on frame architecture, and is geared towards off-road capabilities. This contrasts with the Lexus TX SUV which prioritizes on-road refinement and passenger comfort.
All GXs have a twin-turbocharged V-6 with 349 hp, a 10-speed auto and four-wheel-drive full-time. The majority of GX models have a third-row seat, while the Off-Road specialist Over trail variants only accommodate five people. The GX550, one of the few mid-size luxury SUVs in the class of two dozen vehicles, balances upscale features with equal off-road capabilities.
What’s New for the 2025?
The GX550’s standard equipment has not changed much in its second season.
- All models now come with a power-adjustable column.
- All GX models feature memory settings for the steering wheel, driver’s chair, and outside mirrors.
The Over trail trim and Over trail+ add an inch of suspension lift to better clear obstacles and bank auxiliary switches.
Lexus GX550 Pricing and Best Trim to Buy
The Lexus GX 2025 starts at $65,285 but can reach up to $81750 depending on trim and options.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The GX550 has a twin-turbocharged, 3.4-liter V-6 engine that produces 349 hp-more than the V-8 in its predecessor.
- Smooth gear changes are ensured with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Four-wheel drive with full-time operation provides outstanding traction.
Over trail and Over trail+ trims include:
- 18-inch wheels with 33 inch all-terrain tires
- Underbody skid plates made of aluminum
- Adaptive suspension for better wheel articulation
- Off-road performance is enhanced with the use of crawl control and terrain-selective drive modes
The GX550 has a strong acceleration on the road. It reaches 0-60mph in just 6.2 second. The hood does flutter a bit at higher speeds. The ride is firm with the larger wheels but it’s easy to control thanks to its precise steering.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The GX550 has a towing capacity of 9096 pounds. This is a far greater rating than the Land Cruiser and its 6500-pound rating. The GX tows even more than its luxury rivals, such as Audi Q7 and BMW X5.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The fuel economy of the GX460 isn’t much better despite its downsizing to a V-6 with twin-turbo. According to the EPA, the GX550 is expected to have a fuel economy of around 30 mpg.
- 15 mpg in the city / 21 mpg on the highway (EPA estimate).
- The Land Cruiser has a 22 city/25 highway mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The GX550 combines rugged styling with a luxurious interior:
- Over trail variants come with faux-suede accents of a dark-green shade.
- With the standard second row bench, there are three rows of seats that can accommodate up to seven passengers. Captain’s chairs as an option reduces the seating capacity from seven to six.
- There is a severe lack of space for the third row, but Lexus TX offers a significant advantage.
- Over trail models have a third row that is not included and can only seat five passengers. However, the plastic base at the center of the console compromises the leg room for the middle-seated passenger.
Over trail swallowed 18 carry-on-sized boxes behind the second-row seat and 33 with the rear seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All GX models come with a:
- Apple Car Play and Android auto wirelessly integrated into a 14.0-inch screen.
- The 12.3 inch digital gauge can be reconfigured in order to display a range of different information for the driver.
- The touchscreen allows you to control all climate settings.
- Wireless smartphone charger pad that can be used with the phone angled up or down.
- Mark Levinson surround system with 21 speakers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The GX comes equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features that includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning.
- Standard automated emergency breaking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane depart warning with lane maintaining assist
- Standard adaptive cruising control with a feature to center the vehicle on its lane
Off-road Technology and Capabilities
Inspired by the Lexus ethos of human-centered technology
- GX is designed to function as an extension for your hands.
- Enjoy a heated seat and a multimedia display of 14″.
- Integral head-up displays
- Lexus Connected Services4 provides wireless connectivity.
- Consult your dealer to find out if the device you are using is compatible.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
When it comes to warranty coverage, Lexus outpaces rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
- 4 years or 50,000 miles(Limited warranty covers)
- 6 years or 70,000 miles(Powertrain warranty covers)
- 1 year or 10,000 miles(Complimentary maintenance)
Pros and Cons of Lexus GX 550
Pros
- A powerful V-6 with 4WD.
- High towing (9,096 pounds)
- Interiors that are luxurious and modern
- Extreme off-road capability.
Cons
- The larger wheels have a stiffer ride.
- Fuel economy is below competitors
- High cargo floor makes loading difficult
The Lexus GX550 SUV is the top choice for adventurers looking for an off-road luxury SUV in 2025.
FAQs of Lexus GX 550
In The End
The Lexus GX550 excels as a powerful off-road SUV combining rugged performance and luxury. Its dual-turbo engine, full time 4WD and advanced off-road technologies make it the perfect choice for those seeking adventure beyond paved highways. The vehicle is built for the toughest of challenges. It has a powerful towing capacity and a durable body on frame design. The interior is equipped with premium materials, modern technology, and a smooth ride on the highway or rough trails. Although fuel economy is not its strong suit, its capabilities off-road, high-end technology, and durability make it a leader of its class. The SUV can handle any terrain, whether it’s a rocky landscape or city streets. It delivers power, luxury and reliability.
